Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Introduction (why this matters) When I review DUI files, the same two surprises come up again and again: how quickly a driver can cross California’s legal alcohol limit, and how much procedure matters in these cases. A perfectly fixable error (bad calibration, broken…
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Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, Certified Lawyer (U.K LL.M.) Let me be honest – most people walk into California custody court thinking it’s a fight. They think it’s about “winning” the kids or “proving” they’re the better parent. I’ve seen it over and over again: two parents, both exhausted, both scared, both…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Introduction to Domestic Violence Domestic violence affects individuals and families across California every day. It can take many forms, physical abuse, emotional manipulation, intimidation, stalking, or financial control, and it often leaves lasting emotional and psychological effects. If you or someone you know…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Understanding Domestic Violence Law and Your Rights Domestic violence impacts countless individuals and families across California. For many survivors, abuse can take many forms – physical, emotional, sexual, or financial, and often becomes an ongoing cycle that shapes their daily lives. Recognizing domestic…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.)(A Clear Guide to Fees, Retainers, and Real-World Ranges) Quick Answer Most family law attorneys charge by the hour and require an upfront retainer before beginning work. While fees vary depending on experience and location, here are the typical U.S. ranges: Your overall cost…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Why Pet Custody Matters Now For many Californians, pets are family. California law reflects this reality by allowing judges to consider a pet’s well-being when couples separate. The change took effect January 1, 2019, through Assembly Bill 2274, and is implemented in California…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – Californian Paralegal, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Quick Overview Under California law, both annulment and divorce end a relationship, but they do so in fundamentally different ways. A divorce ends a legally valid marriage. It acknowledges that the marriage existed and formally dissolves it.An annulment, however, declares that the marriage…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – U.S. Legal Secretary, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) 1. Introduction to Child Custody and Visitation Child custody and visitation are at the heart of many family law cases in California. Having worked on these cases myself, I can say that the court’s primary focus is always the best interests of…
Continue reading ›Authored by Izzat H. Riaz – U.S. Legal Secretary, U.K. Certified Lawyer (LL.M.) Introduction: Why This Matters Divorce in California is never just a breakup; it’s a structured legal process that ends a marriage and reshapes lives. In my work as a legal secretary, I’ve seen that confusion often begins with the paperwork. Clients regularly…
Continue reading ›Introduction: Why Custody Agreements Matter A parent facing divorce or separation often worries about child custody, parenting time, and legal rights. Parents who are divorced also need clear custody agreements to ensure the best interests of their children are protected. This article explains what a custody agreement (also called a parenting plan or custody and…
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